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close up of Spanish prawn tapas on a blue platter with fresh parsley
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Spanish Prawn Tapas

This Spanish Prawn Tapas is inspired by classic Spanish gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp). Juicy, marinated prawns swimming in a spicy, garlicky olive oil sauce. Served with crusty baked bread to dip and chopped olives. Perfect for entertaining.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mediterranean
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 360kcal
Author Amee

Ingredients

  • 14 cloves garlic
  • 1 lb raw prawns or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 dried chili guajillo pepper can sub red pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoon sherry cooking wine
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • ½ cup kalamata olives chopped
  • 1 baguette loaf baked and sliced

Instructions

  • Combine prawns, 2 tablespoon olive oil, salt, baking soda, and 2 cloves minced garlic together in a bowl.
  • Toss well to coat, cover and set aside to marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add 6 tablespoon olive oil.
  • Smash 4 of the garlic cloves and add to oil.
  • Cook until garlic is lightly golden, then transfer garlic to a small plate and set pan aside and turn off heat until shrimp has finished marinating.
  • Slice 8 cloves of garlic into thin slices and return skillet to a low heat.
  • Cook garlic slices and add in bay leaf and dried chili.
  • Turn heat up to medium-low and add shrimp, cooking until just pink (about 2 minutes, turning them once)
  • Increase heat to high and add sherry and parsley.
  • Cook for 15-20 seconds and serve immediately with chopped olives and bread.

Notes

  • The sauce is truly the star of this dish, so be sure to use bold-flavored quality ingredients.
  • If your prawns are frozen, you can place them in a deep container under cool running water to thaw.
  • Be sure to pat the prawns dry before marinating so they better absorb all of the flavors.
  • Don't skip the fresh parsley!. It adds peppery citrus flavor and brightens up the whole dish.
  • Before serving, you can squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and garnish it with a sprinkling of paprika.

Nutrition

Calories: 360kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 1294mg | Potassium: 169mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 238IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 2mg